Are you prepared for a Landslide?

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Landslides have occurred in almost every state and can cause significant damage. Due to the recent catastrophic mudslides/ Landslides. Having some knowledge on what to do before or during can help your family greatly. The American Red Cross offers great steps you can take. Here are a few.

Before:

What should I do if I live in an area at risk from landslides?

• Learn about local emergency response and evacuation plans.
• Talk to everyone in your household about what to do if a landslide occurs.
• Create and practice an evacuation plan for your family and your business.
• Assemble and maintain an emergency preparedness kit.
• Become familiar with the land around where you live and work so that you understand your risk in different situations.
• Watch the patterns of a storm water drainage on slopes near your home, especially where runoff water converges.

During:

What should I do if a landslide is occurring or likely to occur?

• If you suspect immediate danger, evacuate immediately. Inform affected neighbors if you can, and contact your public works, fire or police department.
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
• Be especially alert when driving- watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.
• If you are ordered or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.

After:

What should I do after a landslide?

• Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide areas. Direct rescuers to their locations.
• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance-infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities. Elderly people and people with disabilities may require additional assistance. People who care for them or who have large families may need additional assistance in emergency situations.
• Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
• Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same event.
• Look for and report broken utility lines to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.